Business
Brits issued winter energy supply warning with ‘tight days’ ahead
Great Britain’s energy system operator has warned of potential “tight days” this winter.
The National Energy System Operator (Neso) indicated that imported electricity from Europe could be used “when required” to power homes and businesses.
This outlook follows the publication of the latest winter energy reports by Neso and National Gas, after a rise in the price cap led to a surge in costs.
Neso stated on Thursday that electricity margins, reflecting the cushion of spare power supply, have risen to their strongest level since 2020.
However, it added that there could still be some “tighter periods”, which might need support from the energy industry.
“We expect a sufficient operational surplus throughout winter, although there may still be tight days that require us to use our standard operating tools, including system notices,” the report said.
System notices are how the grid operator informs the wider energy industry that electricity supply has not matched demand, allowing for production to increase if needed.
Early data from electricity firms and forecasters has suggested that “tight days” are most likely to take place in early December or mid-January.
Neso added that imports will be available when needed to help cover demand, supported by “adequate electricity supply across Europe”.
Deborah Petterson, director of resilience and emergency management at Neso, said: “A resilient and reliable energy supply is fundamental to our way of life.
“At Neso, we are looking at the upcoming winter and can report that this year’s winter outlook sets out the strongest electricity margins in six years.
“It is critical that we continue our work with the wider energy industry to prepare for the coming months to build on this foundation and maintain our world-leading track record of reliability.”
Meanwhile, the latest analysis from National Gas indicated that Great Britain has enough gas supply capability to meet peak demand.
It indicated supply can meet demand, “even accounting for unforeseen network outage scenarios”.
The gas network operator said gas demand is expected to be 3 per cent lower than last winter, easing pressure on supply.
It said high-demand days are still expected, but it stressed that it is “confident” the market will operate as needed.
Glenn Bryn-Jacobsen, director of energy systems and resilience at National Gas, said: “As we head into winter, we remain confident in the resilience of our gas system and our ability to meet Britain’s energy needs during periods of peak demand.
“The energy landscape is evolving, with a growing reliance on imports and the continued decline of UK continental shelf supplies.
“Meeting these challenges requires a coordinated, forward-looking approach, and we’re working closely with government, industry, and regulators to develop the right solutions that safeguard security of supply for the future.”
But the report from National Gas shows a fall in Britain’s gas storage capabilities, thanks to the Rough storage site off the coast of Yorkshire no longer storing gas, which means there is an increased reliance on importing liquified natural gas (LNG) to plug the gap in times of high demand.
The facility in the North Sea is the largest of its kind in the UK, but owner Centrica has stopped filling it with natural gas amid concerns over its financial viability.
The Rough site comprises about half of Britain’s storage capacity, and acts as a buffer when the weather is especially cold and demand for gas spikes.
Centrica has long warned it will be decommissioned without government support to allow investment in the site.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously threatened to remove the firm from the department’s supply chain.
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Stocks To Watch: Vishal Mega Mart, Axis Bank, Jio Financial Services, Hindalco, Vedanta, And Others
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Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Vishal Mega Mart, Axis Bank, Jio Financial Services, Hindalco, Vedanta, and others will be in focus on Friday’s trade
Stocks To Watch on February 27
Stocks to Watch Today, February 27, 2026: Indian equities are likely to open on a cautious note amid mixed global cues. As of 7:41 AM, GIFT Nifty futures were trading 87 points lower at 25,549.
Vishal Mega Mart: Promoter Samayat Services is reportedly looking to offload up to a 6.5 per cent stake via a block deal. The transaction is valued at around Rs 3,507.5 crore, with a floor price of Rs 115 per share.
Axis Bank: The private sector lender has approached the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) seeking approval to retain a higher stake in its subsidiary, Axis Finance, with only limited dilution proposed.
Netweb Technologies: The company has partnered with Vertiv to develop advanced liquid-cooled rack solutions for AI-focused data centres in India.
Jio Financial Services: The company has infused Rs 2,000 crore into its subsidiary, Jio Credit Ltd, to fund business expansion and growth plans.
Hindalco: The acquisition of AluChem Companies, Inc. through Aditya Holdings LLC has been temporarily delayed after the CFIUS review in the US was paused due to a partial federal government shutdown.
Info Edge: The board has approved a commitment of Rs 250 crore to the newly launched B8 Fund I, a growth-stage fund aimed at strengthening its presence in India’s startup ecosystem.
Reliance Communications: The CBI has reportedly registered a fresh case against Anil Ambani and the company for allegedly defrauding Bank of Baroda of over Rs 2,220 crore between 2013 and 2017.
Ircon International: The Patna High Court has dismissed the company’s writ petition related to VAT assessments for the Ganga Bridge Project (FY11–FY17), upholding a demand of Rs 108.75 crore. Of this, Rs 27.39 crore has been paid, leaving an outstanding Rs 81.36 crore plus interest.
NBCC: The state-run firm has secured project management consultancy orders worth about Rs 775.27 crore (excluding GST) from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for redevelopment projects in New Delhi.
MSTC: The company has emerged as the lowest bidder for a Coal India tender to act as an external service provider for non-regulated sector (NRS) linkage auctions for three years.
Onesource Specialty Pharma: The NSE and BSE have issued no-objection letters for the proposed merger and arrangement involving Steriscience Specialties, Brooks Steriscience and Strides Pharma Services.
Vedanta: ICRA has assigned an ‘ICRA AA’ rating to the company’s NCDs with a ‘Watch Developing’ outlook. It also reaffirmed the long-term rating at ‘ICRA AA’ (Watch Developing) and the short-term rating at ‘ICRA A1+’.
BPCL: The oil marketing company has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary in Singapore — Bharat Petroleum Global Energy Services — to set up a trading desk for crude oil, natural gas and petrochemical products.
Brigade Enterprises: The company has partnered with Primus Senior Living to develop three senior living communities in South India, with an estimated gross development value of Rs 750 crore.
Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels: The firm has signed a management agreement with Luxmi Tea Co. to operate a 100-room premium hotel under “The Park” brand in Siliguri, West Bengal.
GMDC: The company has signed an MoU with NTPC to jointly explore opportunities in coal and lignite gasification, along with related downstream projects.
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February 27, 2026, 08:21 IST
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Consumer confidence has fallen in a blow for retailers as customers veer away from big-ticket purchases, figures show.
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index dropped three points to minus 19 in February to a level last seen in November, despite easing inflation.
The decline was mainly driven by weaker perceptions of personal finances – looking back over the last year and ahead to the next 12 months – which both fell by four points.
The major purchase index – an indicator of confidence in buying big-ticket items – also fell by four points, to minus 14.
Expectations for the general economy over the next 12 months remained unchanged at minus 31 – the same as the score a year ago.
Meanwhile, a measure of confidence in saving money, which is part of the survey but does not contribute to the overall score, fell seven points to 21 – nine points lower than last year.
Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, said: “Fewer people say that now is a good time to make major purchases and fewer consumers intend to save money.
“Although the rate of inflation is easing, prices continue to rise, forcing many households to prioritise day-to-day spending over longer-term needs.
“Views on the broader economy remain firmly in negative territory, with consumers anticipating only limited economic growth this year.
“Unemployment has now reached its highest level in nearly five years, and this is increasing concerns about job security, particularly given the backdrop of weak wage growth. With fewer entry-level opportunities available, those on lower incomes are already feeling the strain, and this trend risks undermining the typically more optimistic outlook held by younger age groups.”
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